Cabusao wetland TESDA Bicol aims to be Camalig Footwear

seeks international
accreditation
2 DOH warns people
of summer diseases 3 ISO accredited before
the year ends 6 Makers Benefit
From SFF
7
LGU to bat DILG APEC tracks down
LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- The Lo- debts
cal Government Unit (LGU) main- In the midst of controversies, pro-
tains its supports to the Department tests and allegations, Albay Power
of Interior and Local Government Electric Corporation (APEC) pleads
(DILG) in Legazpi to defense the city for another chance to the Albayanos.
against environmental calamities.
Aleco Multi-Sectoral Stakehold-
“DILG strengthened its link with the ers Organization (AMSSO) were one of
LGU’s as it continuously empower its re- the few groups who strongly disagreed
spective Local Disaster Risk Reduction with APEC’s take-over of Albay Electric
and Management Councils (LDRRMC’s) Cooperative (ALECO). AMSSO argued
VOLUME II ISSUE 2 | February 10 - 16 2014 that cooperative members should be the
turn to page 6
turn to page 3

DOLE allots P7.3M for Project RAY in Bicol By Carlo Bernardo

T he Department of Labor and Em-

ployment Regional Office No. V
together with the Department of Sci-
ence and Technology allocates some
P7.3M to fund the 12-identified and
approved livelihood projects un-
der the Reconstruction Assistance
on Yolanda (RAY) program. The
project will be implemented within
this year’s first quarter up to 2016.

Project RAY is a joint effort of the

national government for the rehabilitation
of areas affected by super typhoon Yolan-
da’s and envisions to create a sustainable
livelihood for the victims and to the commu-
nities through technology and innovation.

The main strategy of the pro-

gram is to utilize the livelihood funds
of DOLE and to apply the recent ex-
Eager to say I do. Couples wait for the ceremony to commence and take their vows as newly weds during the mass wedding isting technology for a specific live-
sponsor by PAG-IBIG fund last Valentines Day at cagsawa ruins. Photo by Shane G. Viray lihood projects in order to increase
and simplify the production of goods.

PAG- IBIG fund sponsors 150 couples for In addition, the DOLE said, any

Mass Wedding
project that is proven successful un-
der this program will be duplicated in
the areas heavily hit by Typhoon Yolan-
By Shane Viray da whether in any region of the country.
LEGAZPI CITY – With 150 couples, cal Government Unit (LGU) Daraga rings at the Pag- Ibig fund office around
Home Development Mutual Fund co-sponsored the event in celebra- 8:00 am - 5:00pm prior before the wedding. DOLE-DOST Bicol identified the
(HDMF) or Pag-IBIG Fund holds a mass tion of Cagsawa Dos Siglos Festival. Charcoal Briquetting and Fish Processing
wedding dubbed as I’do, I’do, Araw ng Llanera also said that the agency for Masbate with an allocated budget of
Pag-Ibig last February 14 at Cagsawa Ru- Delan John Llanera, Marketing sponsored more than 149 wedding events P1.6M; Molasses and Citronella Processing
ins Daraga, Albay in celebration of the 3rd Specialist of Pag- IBIG fund said, they have inclusive of a house and lot, symbolic ring, and Production Project and Fish and Food
year annual program done nationwide. 150 confirmed couples and most of them bouquet of the bride, first lunch of the newly Processing for Camarines Sur with P2M
came from Daraga and some from Legazpi weds and a raffle prizes for the lucky couple. budget; handicraft making and shell craft
In partnership with the Lo- City. He said that the couples can claim the processing for Sorsogon with P1.5M bud-
turn to page 2 get; ; crab fattening, muscovado process-
ing and handicraft production for Catan-
BU studes top Tabaco operates first duanes with an allocated budget of P0.8M;
upgrading of food processing and citronel-
RME board exams animal shelter in Albay la oil production for Camarines Norte with
P1.250M budget and Karagumoy process-
By Clarissol Reonal By Sunshine Baron ing in Albay with an allocated P1M budget.
Jesse Jay Beraña Garay, a 90. 50%, second in rank and Tabaco City – With the in- Albay after the dry-run of the
creasing number of dog-relat- Rabies Control Ordinance on DOLE Bicol regional director Na-
student of Bicol Universi- Jaymar Chavez Dolz rank thaniel V. Lacambra said, “If you would
ty (BU), topped the Feb- seventh with an average of ed mishap in the country, the January 30.
look at the details of the projects listed, you
ruary 2014 Registered 86%. [Vincent Escorel Ha- city government has strength-
could see that all raw materials are very
Master Electrician (RME) yohay placed eight with an ened its campaign on imple- “Although ordinances
common in Tacloban also which makes it
board exam after garner- average score of 85. 50% menting ordinances against like this should have been im-
feasible to duplicate such projects there.”
ing a rating of 91.00 %. and Freddie Caparroso Na- stray dogs. plemented in every municipal-
sis ended in the ninth palce The Department of ity long time ago, budget is still Lacambra is very confident that
Other BU students with an average of 84. 50%. Agriculture (DA) Tabaco City the problem and fortunately Project RAY will not only help the ty-
that made it to the list were Division started its operation the city is able to establish it phoon Yolanda victims but it will also
Mercury Nuñez Operio, with on the first animal shelter in first in the province,” Armi push the development of the region par-
turn to page 7 turn to page 5 ticularly in the manufacturing sector.
 NEWS 2 The BU Weekly Chronicle

Pag-IBIG
sponsors . . .
He added, at least one of the
couple should be a member of the
Pag- IBIG fund if they wish to partic-
ipate in the mass wedding. If both are
not, at least one of them is required
to enroll and pay a membership fee.

In an interview with Agapi-

On the ta Pacres, Daraga Tourism Officer, the
Flight. LGU Daraga had coordinated with the
Migratory different barangays and undergone an
birds flock interview with the Civil Local Regis-
together as trar Office because the said 150 couples
they settle should’ve follow and provide the license
in the banks which was indicated with Certificate of
of Cabusao No Marriage (CENOMAR) from NSO.
wetland in
Camarines The Municipal Sponsors includes
Sur. File Daraga Mayor, Gerry Jaucian along with
photo of the Chairman of the Pag- IBIG Fund, Je-
DENR jomar Binay and CEO of the Pag- IBIG
fund, Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe.

Cabusao wetland They are also the ones who solem-

nize the mass wedding. Other sponsors

seeks international accreditation

who are present on the occasion is Con-
gressman Al Francis Bichara, Nini Rava-
nilla, SB Members and all the LGU officials.
By Ana Rose Velasco
However, Llanera mentioned

T
that this not only concern with the ben-
he Wildlife section of the zoology, limnology or hydrology. “The said critical habitat serves efits but looking in the moral aspect of
Protected Areas and Wild- as an important feeding and roosting their clients and beneficiaries since this
life Division Regional Office “In addition, the criteria indi- area for more than sixty-eight (68) is part of the corporate, as an institution.
V (PAW-D) together with the Local cate that in the first instance, wetlands species of resident, endemic and mi- “I’ do, I’ do. Araw ng Pag- Ibig is all about
Government Unit of Cabusao seeks of international importance to water gratory birds, , thirty four of which giving members a chance to become a legit-
for international accreditation un- birds at any season should be includ- are native species, while another 34 imate part of the community,” Llanera said.
der Ramsar Convention on Wetlands ed on the Ramsar List.” Baylon said. are migratory species.” Baylon said.
due to domestic and migratory bird
population increase in their locality. Baylon added that Cabusao Baylon also added that when PNP Tabaco

wetland was declared as a critical
According to Myrna G. Bay- habitat for the endemic Philippine
Cabusao wetland will be selected as
one site accredited by Ramsar Coven- inaugurates
new HQ
lon, Officer-in-charge, wildlife section duck through the Department of tion, it will help transform the munic-
PAW- D, under the Ramsar Criteria, Environment and Natural Resourc- ipality into a tourist spot for environ-
wetlands should be selected on their es Administrative Order No. 2011- mentalists which will give complement
account of international significance in 10 dated August 23, 2011signed to our future ecotourism paradigm. By Marjorie Codia
terms of the biodiversity and unique- by Secretary Ramon J. Paje.
The Philippine National Police (PNP)
ness of the locality’s ecology, botany,
Tabaco held the inauguration of its
newly constructed office last February
26, 2014 headed by Police Supt. Felix

DOH warns Albayanos this summer
The rains are just few months
away from the scorching heat but No-
emi Bron of Health and Promotion
Unit, DOH V said that the diseases
that are rampant during this season
can also hit people this summer.
Several viral and bacterial in-
fections can rob you from enjoying
the summer escapade and the fun of
splashing outdoors.
Dengue is most watch here in
Albay not only during the rainy season
By Aira Gem Antonio
but every year according to Bron.
Water-borne, influenza and
leptospirosis are also the diseases that
can pull you off to indoor and outdoor
activities.
Children and elderly with
weaker immune systems must take it to
a habit to drink water after boiling it, a
process that kills harmful viruses.
Water-borne diseases can affect
people any time of the day most espe-
cially if it is acquired through eating
food or drinking of contaminated water
with human waste. It includes cholera,
diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever.
No seasonal disease for this type of viral
and bacterial illness. People are advice
to keep their immune system strong to
avoid the acquiring of such diseases.
Leftovers must be discarded
during the rainy season to minimize
the risk and in extreme cases, see the
nearest doctor.
Serbite, the PNP Tabaco Chief.
The said event was also headed
by the PNP Regional Director P/C Supt.
Victor De Ona. In an interview with P/
Insp. Malou Calubaquib, the spokesper-
son of PNP Bicol said that the newly con-
structed office is the most expensive and
elegant headquarters in the region with a
fund of 12 million pesos.
She also added that the local gov-
ernment of Tabaco also had its share in
funding the project.
The inauguration was also par-
ticipated by other high ranking officials
in the region.

The Official Student Publication of AB Jourmalism Class 2014

 The BU Weekly Chronicle
DOH warns people of summer
diseases
The rising temperature does not
only mean it is summer. It is why
the Department of Health warned
the public about the most com-
mon diseases dubbed as 6s, which
are sore eyes, sun burn, colds and
cough, vomiting and bowel move-
ment or diarrhea, skin diseases and
dog bites.
“These diseases or conditions
were most common because people
tend to travel and interact with others
too often, unaware of the many virus-
es or bacteria being passed on from
person to person,” said DOH Secre-
tary Enrique Ona.
He briefly discussed the dis-
eases and measures on how to pre-
vent and cure it.
Conjuctivitis is commonly
known as sore eyes or pink eye. It is
the inflammation of the thin covering
of the eyeball and inner eyelid.
The inflammation is brought
on by a viral, bacterial, or allergy in-
fection. However, sore eyes are gener-
By Dorie Mae Ornido
ally due to a viral infection.
The disease is very conta-
gious especially when communicated
by eye to hand to eye contact. Signs or
symptoms may include redness of the
eyes, discomfort, burning and gritty
sensation, photophobia or sensitivity
to light, eye pain, difficulty of open-
ing eyes after sleeping, water-like dis-
charge and soreness.
But this disease can be pre-
vented by simply washing your hands
regularly with soap and water and
avoiding touching the eyes when
your hands are unclean.
Ona said that sun burn is due
to the many outdoor activities like
jogging, swimming and other sports
that can easily burn skin from over-
exposure.
He adds that one has to make
sure to use sunscreen with 30 of more
than 30 SPF (sun protection factor)
before going out. When you get a sun
burn your skin turns red and hurts.
The skin may even develop
swelling and sunburn blisters if it is a
severe case.
Ona also reminded the pub-
lic that the body may lose fluid when
exposed to the heat of the sun and
that one must drink plenty of water
or fluids to replace it.
“Drink at least eight to nine
glasses of fluids or water a day de-
pending on the extent of activity you
do,” Ona said. He also said that a per-
son must be sure that what he eats is
safe to avoid diarrhea.
“Children should especially
be sent to the doctor because their
diarrhea should be treated differently
from adults,” he said.
He added that DOH will also
have more aggressive program for the
vaccination of dogs since it was com-
mon for people to get bitten by dogs
being out in the open. He also said
that people can also be infected by ra-
bies through cat bite.
3 NEWS
DOLE:
Hiring Jobs
for Young
Bicolanos
By Ronalyn Frial
The Department of Labor and Employ-
ment (DOLE) said they will accommodate
jobs for thousands of young Bicolanos
this February.
DOLE said that they will distribute
P56M under the Government Internship
Program (GIP) and Emergency Work Pro-
gram or commonly known as TUPAD.
“Starting this month of February
we will be hiring jobs in the entire Bicol
region.” Nathaniel V. Lacambra, DOLE Re-
gional Director, said.
The GIP program will offer a
6-month job, while TUPAD requires one
month of work only . DOLE is assuming
to hire 1,375 employers for GIP and 6,189
employers for TUPAD for a total of 7,564
employment.

Shabu: Top
The TUPAD Work Program, fo-

PCA continues cused on calamity programs such as; dredg-

ing, canal de-clogging, and any other work

streamlining under GOOC drug used in that needed for community restoration and
rehabilitation.

By Abigail Bellodo Bicol “Applications for GIP will be soon

T
he current administration
continues the streamlining of
the Government-Owned and
Controlled Corporation (GOOC).
And one of the several GOOC is
the Philippine Coconut Authority
(PCA).
Despite of being the subject
for reform, PCA continue its differ-
ent project and programs that defines
their institution. The opening of the
year gives challenges to the PCA to
make programs visible to the eye of
the coconut farmers.
And one of the earliest pro-
grams implemented is the Salt Fer-
tilization Project (SFP). As early as
January of the present year, a total of
9,566 bags of NaCl (salt) are allocated
for the 18 municipalities of Albay.
According to Mr. Bobbie M.
Jacob, Division chief of PCA Provin-
cial Office. Even the PCA is under-
going in reorganization, the program
will continues running as long as
there are interested farmers who are
willing to participate.
Furthermore, Jacob assured
that whenever the central office of
PCA release resources for the SFP, the
allocation will go automatically to ev-
ery region and go down in provinces
and distributed to the respective mu-
nicipalities.
As the research center of PCA
in Davao City proven that the coco-
nut trees planted near in the shore-
line has thicker coconut meat- the
said program uses agricultural salt as
a fertilizer to the coconut trees “We
use ordinary salt, no other chemical
mixture.
But the salt supply is intend-
ed only for the coconut trees and not
advisable for food consumption” Ja-
cob said.
The 2 kgs salt is being applied
1 meter distance from and around
the base of each coconut trees. From
the latest statistics of SFP in Albay,
the three district with approximately
2,180 hectares coconut farms.
SFP helped the 1,195 farmers
who interestedly applied salt to their
coconut trees. Only 9 percent of the
total volume of fertilizer released last
January is still unused, and that will
be added to the next batch of salt on
the coming months.
On the other hand, the PCA
Provincial Office is on their prepa-
ration for continues streamlining of
their organization.
But still upholding good ser-
vices and even pursuing to be more
efficient in implementing programs
like SFP, to strengthen the coconut
industry in the province of Albay.
to open. Anybody who graduated from col-
By Edwin Millena lege, or high school and technical and voca-
tional school can apply,” Lacambra added.
Legazpi City – Philippine Drugs En-
forcement Agency (PDEA) reported DOLE Bicol assumed a budget of
methamphetamine hydrochloride, an il- P3.5M in congressional district for a total of
legal drug popularly known shabu as the P56M in the province of Albay.
top drug used by the pushers in Region
V as of January 2014.
According to Agent Dennis Vil-
lamor, spokesperson of PDEA Regional
Office V, Shabu is the top selling drug in
Bicol, because it’s more accessible to Bi-
colanos compared to other illegal drug.
APEC tracks . . .
“Shabu pa rin ang mabenta at
siyang ginagamit ng mga drug users dito
one to manage the electric corporation.
sa Bikol Region, pangalawa lang ang
marijuana, dahil ang market capability
However, Alan Marcha, APEC’s
kasi nito pagdating sa market ay mahi- General Manager said that oppositions
na at konti lamang ang nakukuhang kita
for their management didn’t hinder their
dito,” Villamor explained. job which is to fix and improve the sys-
Villamor added that the shabu
tem. At present, APEC started tracking
cost of 500-1, 000 pesos compared to debts of major consumers. They also
marijuana that cost for only 50-70 pesos
found out one army detachment whose
per T-bag.” twenty year debt still remains unpaid.
In Masbate City, a prominent
person is under surveillance and is a
Jessica Rae Nolasco
suspect for using this illegal drug.
Also in Legazpi City, a Barangay
Kagawad was caught in action taking
Shabu, Villamor said in an interview.
Based on the statistics that
PDEA gave Naga City has the highest
number of drug user while Legazpi City,
Albay place second.

The Official Student Publication of AB Jourmalism Class 2014

NEWS 4 The BU Weekly Chronicle

EDITORIAL

Vigilant Editorial Board and Staff

R ecently, bus-related
accidents had dom-
inated the airwaves and
Apparently, they are
not doing their job exten-
FRB immediately took an
action of confiscating the
all the yellow for hire plates
Editorial Head
Zanie Jovellana

broadsheets. These ac- sively. According to phil- of the buses. But this is not
cidents had taken away star.net, the incident hap- enough. If they want to Writers
numbers of lives, both of pened in Bontoc Mountain absolutely lessen the acci- Edwin Millena
Carlo Bernardo
those inside of the vehicle Province; the one GV Flor- dents happening through- Rey Granadellos
and by some around the ida Transport INC. was in- out the country, they must Danica Caballero
vicinity. volved, LTFRB just found act vigilantly. Danica Mae Marollano
out that chassis and engine Shane Viray
Sunshine Baron
It is the immediate of the company’s bus were
One thing they can Ma. Kristela Melquiades
concern of the bus liners tampered with and not do is to have a partnership Marjorie Codia
to secure the safety of their registered with the Land
with all the Local Govern- Ana Rose Velasco
passengers. It is their re- Transportation Office. ment Unit in the country. Aira Gem Antonio
Dorie Mae Ornido
sponsibility to do every A notable example of this Maribel Evasco
precautionary measure to Thus, the buses in- is Manila Mayor Joseph Jessica Rae Nolasco
make sure they can safely volved in the accident were Ejercito Estrada’s action to Abigail Bellodo
reach their destination. It is
not authorized to operate. make a ban of buses that Ronalyn Frial
Clarissol Reonal
evident that there are only are classified as colorum. Joy Balangitan
few who follow the imme- If GV Florida got a Ryza Anne Balino
diate government agency franchise to operate with It clearly resulted to Mayflor Esquejo
in terms of road safety. tampered papers, this a less on buses plying in Elaiza Marie Coralde
Ma. Theresa Angela Andes
means that LTFRB never the Metro. With lesser bus-
If these bus liners do commits to an intensive es, there is an equivalent
not follow the law, what are research of the company proportion to lesser num- Cartoonist
the Land Transportation applying to operate. ber of accidents. Rey Granadellos
Franchising and Regulato- Layout artists
ry Board (LTFRB)? It is a start that LT- Carlo Bernardo
Zanie Jovellana

The Official Student Publication of AB Jourmalism Class 2014

 The BU Weekly Chronicle 5 NEWS

DOH says yes to ‘Go for Life’

By Ma. Kristela Melquiades

T
hrough the program ‘Go for
Life’, the Department of Health
(DOH) Bicol encourages the
Albayanos to develop and engage
to healthy lifestyle and practices to
avoid the risk factors that can cause
non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Evy Sarmiento, medical
specialist II of the DOH Center for
Health Development (CHD) said that
the program promotes better living
among the people.
She identified the four lifestyle
areas in which itaims to strengthen,
such as Go Sustansya, Go Sigla, Go
Smoke-free, and Go Slow sa Tagay.
Sarmiento explained that Go
for Life concentrates on preventing the
citizen’s risk to develop degenerative
illnesses that result from unhealthy
lifestyle.
“Kasisangayon, yung causes ng
death natinsa Bicol – actually global –
eight out of ten, lahat ‘yan non-commu-
nicable diseases (NCD’s) eh,” Sarmiento
said.
Based on the DOH data as
of 2011, the following illnesses that
increase mortality among Bicolanos are
heart diseases, pneumonia, hyperten-
sion, neoplasm, tuberculosis, trauma
and injuries, kidney diseases, cere-
bro-vascular accidents, diabetis, and
septicemia.
Among these ailments, pneu-
monia and septicemia are the only
infectious diseases, while the others are
all NCD’s
“Ang NDC’s,ito yung mahirap
gamutin. Kung baga, cumulative ang
effect, na hindi kagaya ng infectious
diseases na for certain days or months,
gagalingka.
Halimbawa, hindi maganda
yung diet mo, hindi ka kaagad magka-
kasakit kinabukasan. So ang effect nito,
medyo matagal,” she added.
Harmful activities like smok-
ing, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity
and stress may cause complications,
such as cardiovascular diseases, hyper-
tension, cancer, obesity, Chronic Ob-
structive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD),
and mental illness.
Sarmiento also stated that
NDC’s are difficult to address since
these are lifestyle-related and can be
linked to a person’s behavior.
She said that in Albay, the
anti-smoking and physical activities are
properly implemented because there are
ordinances that support these pro-
grams, while stress management is one
of the major issues that require appro-
priate solutions.
“Sa Legazpi kasi, may full im-
plementation na sila ng ‘No Smoking.’
Although may makikita ka pa rin, pero
mas matutuwa ka.
Kasi compared to other mu-
nicipalities saAlbay, may nainigarilyo
sa jeep or anywhere. Sa physical activ-
ities naman, marami nang conscious,”
Sarmiento pointed out.
Meanwhile, Sarmiento said that
the government should provide more
attention to lessen the number of cases
of NCD’s.
“Go for Life is one part of our
advocacy towards healthy living. Sana
gawing priority yan ng mga local chief
executives na ma-address ang NCD’s.
The best way is to implement a
policy, an ordinance, or a resolution to
lower the incidents or the prevalence of
NCD’s,” she expressed.
Furthermore, Sarmiento re-
minded the Bicolanos to adapt sound
and healthier living.
“You [should] modify your life-
style. ‘Yon yung gusto naming ipaabot
sa mga tao na conscious sila dapat sa
mga diseases na ito.
Kasi hindi kaya ng gobyerno na
i-control ka. Nasa iyo pa rin ‘yon. May
sakit ka, sa wala, magpa-examine ka at
least once a year.
Kelan pa sila mag-start ng
healthy lifestyle, kung meron nang mga
sakit?” she noted.

Rosal to suspend
interactions with
Biting off
rabies.
An animal
butanding
shelter rep- By Danica Mae Marollano
resentative The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Le-
inoculates gazpi headed by Mayor Noel Rosal together
a dog with with the Department of Trade and Industry
anti-rabies (DOT), BFAR, World Wildlife Fund, and
vaccine in other concerned agencies will be having a
tabaco city meeting about the plan on suspending in-
as part of teractions with the Butandings in Barangay
the rabies Puro, Legazpi City.
control
ordinance. According to Mayor Rosal, he kept
File Photo on receiving information which says that
of LGU Ta- these butandings are wounded and the pos-
baco City sible cause is the motorized boats which are
being used for interactions with them.

Tabaco operates first . . . Officials implemented an executive

Brobio, OIC city agriculturist said.
The department received
Php 200,000 last year for the con-
struction and another Php 200,000
this year to put up the pound’s cages
and its sanitary facilities.
Dog catchers from differ-
ent barangays were vaccinated with
anti-rabies and were trained by the
said department with the help of the
city veterinary officers for the proper
handling and impounding of stray
dogs.
After we trained and provid-
ed them the necessary equipments,
the dog catchers were directed to
continue to conduct the operation
on their respected barangays, with us
to monitor and to supervise them,”
Brobio stated.
The dog catchers would start
their operation at 5:00 pm until 7:00
pm.
Caught stray dogs will be
housed in the animal shelter for
three days under the DA’s care and
will be vaccinated and released to its
owner only upon payment of Php
300 as poundage fee.
As specified under the City
Ordinance No. 04-2004, it shall be
mandatory for the Barangay Chair-
man to register every dog in his
jurisdiction with mandatory corre-
sponding fees not exceeding Php 50
on a per head basis to identify the
dog’s owner.
In case the impounded dog
is detected positive on rabies, it will
be put to sleep before it can infect
other dogs.
The city agriculturist as-
sured that there is an allotted area
nearby where they could bury the
dog and is anticipating on develop-
ing a dog cemetery after two years.
Brobio added that this en-
deavor would help address problems
on stray dogs that prowl the city
causing almost 85% of the city’s road
accidents and scavenging through
the trash during the night.
“This will be just another ac-
tion of the local government for the
society to promote responsible pet
ownership,” Dr. Kim Ronan Romero,
city veterinary officer said.
Left-over food from the
city’s food chains is collected by the
department every 3:00 pm and is fed
to the impounded dogs.
order regarding the rules and regulations on
butanding sightings.
Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal says,
DOT will study on the LGU’s recommen-
dation. DOT Regional Director Nini Rava-
nilla admitted that 13 people who served as
butanding interaction officers have lack of
knowledge compared to the BIO of Donsol,
Sorsogon. According to the of-
ficial, BIO in Legazpi conducted a training
only once, last February.
As of now, the mentioned agencies
have not yet conducted a meeting about their
plan. These so-called gentle giants in Albay
Gulf that are being visited by so many tourists
were first seen by the month of February.
Approximately 9 whale sharks were
recorded wherein three of them were already
named Durat, Mailyas, and Magaro.

The Official Student Publication of AB Jourmalism Class 2014

NEWS 6 The BU Weekly Chronicle

NEWSBRIEF TESDA Bicol aims to be ISO

accredited before the year ends
Imperial drafts "There are more TESDA schools
By Elaiza Marie Coralde
In preparation, the agency is now tification. This is the certification

code of conduct and training centers in Albay

By Marjorie Codia
The Sanguniang Panlungsod is pushing an ordi-
nance in connection with adapting the general
code of conduct in relation with the butanding
interaction in Legazpi City was discussed during
its regular session, the ordinance is authored by
councilor Fernan Imperial.
The proposed ordinance passed its first
reading and is expected to be immediately ap-
proved in the following days of the regular session.
It was the time when the butandings visit-
ed the sea of the city of Legazpi, the code of conduct
was proposed in able to give chance to the public to
enjoy the interaction with the butandings.
It is a way to protect as well as not to dis-
compare to other province, in or-
der to give quality education, we
aim to be ISO accredited" said
Nancy Ibo Medracillo, RNB Al-
bay.
According to Rose Peni-
da, spokesperson of TESDA V, the
agency has 17 regional offices in
the whole world including region
V.
“It is now time for our cen-
ters here in Bicol to be accredited
internationally,” Penida said.
under internal audit. Part of their
auditing process is the reconstruct-
ing of physical conditions like their
offices and training centers.
In particular, TESDA V
is applying under ISO’s program
registration and competency as-
sessment certification. The com-
petency assessment certification is
the one who measures the quality
of the trainee.
Pineda added that if the
trainee passes, TESDA will give
him a national competency cer-
that will brand him as a globally
acclaimed worker.
“It is very important for
the agency to be accredited in or-
der for the Filipino workers to be
globally competitive,” Penida said.
While the program registration in-
cludes the tech-vocational schools
in the region, there are two tesda
schools in Albay, one in Camarines
Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon
and Masbate.
It includes the private
tech-vocational schools,private
schools of tesda cannot be operate
without registering to us.

RDRRMC Bicol conducts a simula-

turbed and destroy the whale shark to keep them
coming back.

Rosal: Firm Security tion exercise in preparation for

on Sanitary Landfill APEC Summit
Needed The Regional Disaster Risk Re-
By Ma. Theresa Angela Andes

saster and calamity. spection for the summit and as-

By Danica Caballero
The Local government of Legazpi City
headed by Mayor Noel Rosal plans an enforcement
of security on the sanitary landfill to prevent acci-
dents such as the death of a minor last February 28.
Mayor Rosal said they are investigating
the said incident and are looking for where the vic-
tim possibly entered the vicinity.
He furthered that the local government is
making measures and resolutions to prevent such
from happening again.
Rosal admitted that the poor security re-
sulted the trespassing of the minor which lead to
his death.
The minor climbed a garbage compactor
and fell from it and the same compactor run him
over.
LGU to bat . . .
The Department ensures that the organization of
their various LDRRMC can secure its preparedness
and maintain its coordination with the Regional Di-
saster Risk Reduction and Management Councils
(RDRRMC’s) in all phases of crisis.
Pasano also added that with the enactment
of Republic Act 10121, otherwise known as “Phil-
ippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act”
the rebirth of innate sense of giving high regard to
individuals as the very basic yet the priceless natural
wealth of the community paved way.
Through Disaster Risk Management spe-
cifically by strengthening their LGU’s capacities to
minimize their vulnerabilities, to this very objec-
tive, the DILG is one of its significant pillars in the
first line of defense against disasters.
Maribel Evasco
duction Management Council The said simulation exer- sess Albay preparedness.
or RDRRMC Bicol conducted cise was initiated to show the ca-
a simulation exercise last Feb- pabilities of the response team of “Nagsagawa din ng ocu-
ruary attended by numerous Albay province when it comes to lar inspection ‘yung APEC para
members of the Asia Pacific disaster preparedness. siguraduhin na magiging maayos
Economic Cooperation (APEC). “Gusto naming ipakita ang event pagdating ng 2015”, he
According to Mr. Raffy kung paano ang paghahanda na also added.
Alejandro, the Regional Direc- ginagawa ng probinsya ng Albay The plane crash scenario
tor of Office of the Civil Defense pagdating sa pagho-host ng mga was headed by Philippine Navy
or OCD Bicol said that there are malalaking pagtitipon gaya na and Philippine Coastguard, the
three scenarios demonstrated on lang ng APEC Summit na mang- hostage taking by the Philippine
the said activity: the rescue oper- yayari sa susunod na taon”, Mr. National Police (PNP) while the
ation when there is a plane crash, Alejandro said. members of the RDRRMC head-
the hostage taking crisis and how The members of the APEC has ed the disaster response.
to respond in times of natural di- also conducted their ocular in-
Venturero accused
Madrilejos worries census
of corruption
By Ryza Anne Balino By Joy Balangitan
First district Board Mem- before it will be use, he added. Sorsogon City-- Assessor Antonio Venture-
ber Jose Marino Madrilejos According to the offi- ro and his family were accused of corruption
concerned for the upcoming cial it should be simple and easy as Melchor Esidero and Inocentes Tripani ,
result of the census that are to understand the questions residents of Poblacion, Bacon, filed a com-
being implemented in the that are given. It’s easy for the plaint against the Venturero family.
Province of Albay. enumerators in conducting it. Esidero- Tripani said that the asses-
The said census was Hon. Herbert Borja of sor’s wife Elena Venturero together with his
about the community base Albay 3rd district raised a sug- son Rommel Venturero and daughter Carla
monitoring system. gestion. It is an ordinance for it Venturero were also involved in buying prop-
“I am worried for the would not be repeatedly done. erties not included in Assessor Venturo’s 2010
census, some of them may take 11 million pesos is needed in Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Net-
advantage in use it for presi- organizing a survey as stated in work (SALN).
dential election 2016 is coming the suggested ordinance. Aside from this, the complaint also
near”, madrilejos said. As of now the assigned states that the assessor’s daughter, Carla Ven-
The final question- council decided to set aside the turo , also bought some land properties. The
naires should be presented to plan for them to study and re- complainants argue that Venturo’s daughter is
the Sangguniang Panlalawigan view well. still not capable of buying a land for she is still
a student & she does not have any business.

The Official Student Publication of AB Jourmalism Class 2014

 The BU Weekly Chronicle
Roughing /
scouring
machines
given to
the footwear
makers of
Camalig,
Albay.
Camalig Footwear
Makers Benefit From SFF
By Zanie Jovellana
Some 970M worth of equipment was
granted to Camalig footwear makers
as part of Department of Trade and In-
dustry’s (DTI) Shared Service Facility
(SFF) program , February 5.
The equipment given are a
roughing / scouring machine, rubber
wedge sole maker, clicker machine and
single-needle lockstitch flatbed sewing
machine which DTI Regional Director
Jocelyn L. B. Blanco personally turned
over.
DTI’s SSF program provides
equipment to groups of micro and small
AVLC chooses Bicol for inspection
By Rissa Conmigo
The people’s inspection, to be initi-
ated by the Association of Volunteer
Lawyers Against Corruption (AV-
LAC), chose Bicol for its investigation
because according to the reports, the
region has the most number of in-
consistency involving the issue of Pri-
ority Development Assistance Fund
(PDAF), also known as pork barrel
fund.
According to Albay Rep. Fer-
nando Gonzalez “Bicol DPWH dredging
style” simply widen the mid-portion of
the river by bringing-up debris on both
sides of the river that when flood comes,
the debris return back to the river. For
the Yawa River dredging work, Gonzalez
enterprises to address the low produc-
tion capacity of existing industries in
rural areas.
The program ensures the im-
provement of product marketability and
production efficiency, which in turn will
generate more jobs and better income.
During the ceremony , Camalig
Municipal Mayor Irwin G. Baldo, Jr. of-
fered a loan facility at the local govern-
ment unit (LGU) to footwear makers
where they can apply in case they are in
need of additional capital.
complained that 20% of the project was
actually accomplished.
In the report Albay has such
controversial projects that have not been
given proper action by the government
agencies. there are specific three proj-
ects that are not have been accomplished
in the province of Albay namely; the
P100M Yawa River dredging project in
Rawis Legazpi City, where in 20% of the
project had actually been accomplished.
Rehabilitation projects in the
3rd district of Albay cost P374M, and
last was the road projects in Catan-
duanes cost P682M.
Coral Reefs Rehabilitation
Continues
By Rey Granadellos
The rehabilitation of coral reefs in Al-
bay gulf is still operational despite of
some damages it acquired due to some
fishermen’s use of dynamite in the
Province of Albay.
According to Stephen Alba,
the Coastal Resource and Agri-Bio Sys-
tem Development Program Strategy
(CRABS) consultant, they are aiming to
restore its original look and to make the
coral reefs much better as well.
“Governor Joey Salceda have
also programs in order to preserve the
DPWH Highlights of 2013
Accomplishments
By Mayflor Esquejo
DPWH Region V is one of the key agen-
cies that provide the infrastructures
necessary to spur the development of
Bicol Region. The Regional Office to-
gether with the fifteen DEO’s (District
Engineering Office) has facilitated the
delivery of infrastructure services to
Bicolanos.
For the current Infra Program
(CY-2013) it has a total allocation of Php
8.62 billion under the DPWH Infra Pro-
gram.
There are 1, 673 projects that
includes roads and bridges, flood con-
trol and drainage, water system, school
buildings and other public infrastruc-
ture projects. By the end of 2013, the
year-end accomplishment is 71.73%.
Carry-over projects are also be-
ing implemented under CY-2011 and
CY-2012. The year-end accomplishment
of these projects is 88.74% for the CY-
2012, and for CY-2011, 92.34%.
The DPWH Regional Office V
also implemented projects that were not
included in the Regular Infra Program,
BU student tops . . .
According to Jaymar C. Dolz,
he didn’t expect that he would pass nor
would be a placer because the exam was
very difficult.
“I was shocked when I first
learned that I passed. I was not expecting
it, especially that I would be included in
the top ten, the exam was very difficult.
I think we all found the exam difficult,”
Dolz said.
When asked on his plans af-
ter the RME, he said, “Those sleepless
nights were worth it. Now that the RME
The Official Student Publication of AB Jourmalism Class 2014
7 NEWS
coral reefs.” Alba added.
One of the programs of the Al-
bay governor is to go to coastal areas in
the province to inform the fishermen
about the hazardous effect of illegal fish-
ing and other prohibited ways of fishing
not only to the environment but to their
livelihood as well.
However, they are hoping that
by means of these programs, the resi-
dents will now cooperate not to use such
ways of illegal fishing in the province.
and are called Outside Infra Projects.
The program includes PDAF
Projects, DepEd School Buildings,
MVUC Projects, Trust Fund-DA, Trust
Fund – Office of the Vice President and
Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support
Projects.
As of December 31, 2013, the
percentage of total accomplishment for
Outside Infra Program is 64.78%.
It is impossible to implement
100% of the Current Infra Program, Car-
ry-over projects and Outside Infra Pro-
gram because of uncontrollable factors.
Some of the projects fall un-
der the category ‘NYS’- not yet start-
ed because the projects are still under
pre-construction activities due to the de-
layed pre-detailed engineering activities
of outsourced consultant.
There is also 1 NYS project un-
der the carry-over projects that will be
returned to the Central Office due to the
Supreme Court’s declaration of uncon-
stitutionality of PDAF funded projects.
was finished, I will then study for the
Registered Electrical Engineer board ex-
ams because I know it’ll be much more
difficult”.
Topping the RME is not the only
thing to celebrate. The Bicol Universi-
ty-Legazpi, garnered 82.14% having a
total of 46 board passers out of 56 ex-
aminees, qualified and ranked as second
for the Top Performing Schools after De
La Salle University-Lipa which scored
85.94%, with 55 passers out of 65 exam-
inees.

A Bloody
Valentine.
Twelve teams
shows their par-
ticipation on the
1st Global cup
tournament by
donating 10 bags
of blood each
team as their
entry fee for the
game that will
officially start
on February 17,
2014.
DOH requires blood
as basketball tournament entry fee
T
he Department of Health Cen-
ter for Health and Develop-
ment Bicol (DOH CHD BI-
COL) conducted its 1st Global Cup
Invitational Basketball tournament
last February 14.
The teams participating in the
said event donated blood as their entry
fee. Ten bags of blood per team are re-
quired to join the tournament. Aldren
Mortega, Medical Technologist II, said
that 120 bags of blood are expected
from the 12 teams.
“The event aims to spread
awareness on healthy lifestyle. It is
an advantage to the person donating
(blood) for it would help their organs
(to function well) and in blood circula-
tion,” explained by Mortega.
The participants were exam-
ined if they belong in the nourished
population before they could donate
blood. Team members who didn’t pass
the health examination must recruit
JICA turns over evacuation
center to SDA
Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda with
Mayor Herbie Aguas thanked the Jap-
anese government for the new evac-
uation centers that Japan donated to
the municipality of Sto.Domingo,
Albay during the turnover ceremony
last Monday, March 3 at Sto. Domingo
Central School.
LGU-SDA is not only the town
who received an evacuation but also the
5 municipalities in Albay.
It includes the evacuation cen-
ters are in Manito Central School in
Manito town, Gogon Central School
here, Sto. Domingo Central School in
Sto. Domingo town, Oas South Central
School in Oas town, Polangui North
Central School in Polangui town, and
By Danica Mae Marollano
potential donors to supply the lacking
number of needed blood entry fee.
Carlo Miraflores, head of team
Dawn Riser said that they willingly
joined the tournament to help persons
in need of blood donation.
Mr. Norberto A. Balane, CHD
Bicol Management Support Division
Chief and the brainchild of activity ex-
plained why it is called global tourna-
ment, “We derived it from the name of
our Regional Director Gloria J. Balboa,
kumbaga think globally, act locally”.
“Kung may puso kayo, mag-do-
nate kayo,” Mr. Balane said which suit-
ed the blood donation’s purpose held on
the heart’s day.
Mr. Balane extended his big
thanks and gratitude for the positive re-
sponse on the principle of volunteerism
of the participating teams in the tour-
nament. He added that every drop of
blood that they donated would mean a
lot.
By Ryza Anne Balino
Libon Community College in Libon
town.
The six evacuations centers are
earthquake and typhoon resistant, have
passed the geo-hazard survey and made
use of the Japanese technology in build-
ing construction, considered as the
most advance technology in the world,
Salceda said
“The six-unit project is costly
of P460M and was constructed through
the Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA)”, Salceda added.
Guests during the turnover
were Japanese Ambassador Toshinao
Urabe, JICA Chief Representative to
the Philippines Takahiro Sasaki, De-
partment of Education Undersecretary
Meanwhile, he imparted that
the event will be intensified in the fu-
ture where volley ball for women’s cate-
gory will be considered.
The collected bloods will be
forwarded to the Bicol Regional Blood
Center (BRBC) where tests and pro-
cesses will be conducted to examine its
safety before it is given to the recipients.
The winning team will receive a
trophy. “No cash prize will be given for
the tournament is done for the love and
sports and humankind,” Dr. Jannish A.
Arellano, RVBSP Coordinator said.
The tournament is a 2-week
game to be held at the Healthy Lifestyle
Complex of DOH-CHD Bicol. Offi-
cial game will start on the 17th of this
month.
The participating teams are as
follows: BRTTH, BMC, BFP, BASA-
ROYO, Dawn Riser, Malabog Team,
Forest Lake, PNP, SAINTS, LCC team,
PhilHealth and DOH-RFO V.
Mario Direquito, Dr. Cedric Daep of
the Albay Public Safety and Emergency
Management Office, and the six mayors
of the local government units’ in Albay
where JICA has projects.
Thank you JICA and The Gov-
ernment of Japan. From the People of
Sto.Domingo. DIOS MABALOS!!!,
Aguas said.
The six evacuations centers are
typhoon and earthquake resistant, have
passed the geo-hazard survey and made
use of the Japanese technology in build-
ing construction, considered as the
most advance technology in the world,
Salceda said.
DOLE grants
livelihood to
out-of-school youths
By Danica Caballero
The Department of Labor and Employ-
ment Bicol (DOLE) turned over 100,000
worth DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kits
(DKSK) as part of a livelihood program to
10 out-of-school youth graduates of Train-
ing on Youth Entrepreneurship in Masbate
this second week of February.
The kits constitute of materials and
equipment and the beneficiaries are from the
Department of Social Welfare and Develop-
ment’s (DSWD) list of most impoverished
municipalities and barangays in the prov-
ince.
“Maraming salamat po sa opputuni-
dad na ito. Akala po namin ay wala na kam-
ing pag-asa pa.” a beneficiary said to DOLE
during the acceptance ceremony.
The area of expertise of the benefi-
ciaries concern food vending, hollow blocks
making and skirting. Their chosen enter-
prise is based on their individual skills en-
hanced during the training.
“You can really see the glow of hope
in their eyes. Now, their vibrancies as a youth,
has come back which is not very imminent
before this program.” DOLE Bicol Regional
Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra said.
The livelihood awarding was wit-
nessed by Masbate PESO Provincial Feder-
ation President Antonio Ferrer, Jr., Masbate
Province PESO Manager Jose Ros. B. Perez
and other PESO managers from concerned
municipalities.
Intensified
Anti-Drug
Campaign
this Summer
By Danica Caballero
The City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CA-
DAC) strengthens their campaign against
illegal drugs due to a possible increase of
cases this coming summer season.
Dick Fontanilla, a member of CAD-
AC, stated that the influx is because of larger
number of vacationists in the city this sum-
mer. He said that to prevent this they will
visit the barangays of the city to educate resi-
dents of the harmful effects of drugs.
Fontanilla added that they seek the
help and support of Barangay Anti-Durg
Abuse Council (BADAC) to hasten the iden-
tification of users and pushers in every ba-
rangay.
According to their monitoring, the
most prominent drugs used in the city are
shabu and marijuana, the later being the
most abused for it is cheaper.
Fontanilla said that it is alarming
that there are more pushers than users in the
city.